The Cave Guide
A large column inside Natural Bridge Caverns, TexasPhoto: Yinan Chen, Public Domain

Natural Bridge Caverns

San Antonio, TX
70°F
inside, all year
180 ft
below the surface
75 min
on the main tour
$25
adult ticket

The largest commercial cavern in Texas, near San Antonio, with guided tours down to 180 feet below the Hill Country.

The story

Natural Bridge Caverns was discovered on March 27, 1960, by four students from St. Mary's University: Orion Knox, Al Brandt, Preston Knodell, and Joe Cantu. They convinced Clara Wuest to let them explore what they believed was a small cave on her ranch, and instead found two miles of chambers with formations. Development began in 1963, and the caverns opened to guests on July 3, 1964. A month later, Texas Governor John Connally dedicated the caverns as 'A Jewel in the Crown of Texas Attractions.'

Found
1960
Open to visitors since
1964

History source: naturalbridgecaverns.com.

What you'll see

  • Ballroom
  • Jaremy room
  • Cathedral room

Tickets and timing

Adults
From about $25 for a single cavern tour (dynamic pricing — cheaper when booked early)
How long it takes
Discovery Tour ~75 min · Hidden Wonders ~70 min
Hours
Open year-round rain or shine; specific hours are not listed on the provided pages.
Booking
Not required for standard tours, but booking online locks in a time and price.

Getting around underground

The walk
Stairs and tight bends down to 180 ft; mildly strenuous.
Wheelchairs
The caverns are not wheelchair accessible; most of the grounds are.
Strollers
Not allowed on cavern tours; stroller parking available.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Leashed pets on the grounds; free crates first-come. Only service animals inside.
When it rains
Open year-round, rain or shine.
Temperature
70°F / 21°C with 99% humidity — it feels like the 80s

Good to know

Best time to go
Buy tickets as far in advance as possible to save money; prices can change daily and do not decrease.
Photos
Snapshot photography is permitted on cavern tours. Flash photography is allowed inside the caverns so long as the flash is not used to photograph wildlife. Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted on the cavern tours or Twisted Trails. GoPros are permitted across the property and on cavern tours.
Food and drink
Food and beverages are available on-site; picnic areas are available.
Wildlife
Bracken Bat Tour offers the chance to see 20 million bats emerging from Bracken Cave.
On site
Gift shop, Food and beverages, Gem panning, Picnic areas, Maze, Ropes course, Zip rails

Special tours and events

Christmas at the Caverns (Dec 5–23), Yoga Underground.

Getting there

AustinDallasHoustonEl Paso

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

Parking: Parking lots are open during park hours.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • Dress light — it is warm and muggy inside.
  • Parking is $10 per day.
  • Combo tickets for both caverns are cheaper than two singles.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Natural Bridge Caverns take?

Discovery Tour ~75 min · Hidden Wonders ~70 min

How cold is it inside Natural Bridge Caverns?

70°F / 21°C with 99% humidity — it feels like the 80s.

Can you visit Natural Bridge Caverns in a wheelchair?

The caverns are not wheelchair accessible; most of the grounds are.

Are dogs allowed at Natural Bridge Caverns?

Leashed pets on the grounds; free crates first-come. Only service animals inside.

Do you need to book Natural Bridge Caverns in advance?

Not required for standard tours, but booking online locks in a time and price.

When was Natural Bridge Caverns discovered?

1960, according to the cave's own history.

Where is Natural Bridge Caverns?

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

Listed in: dog-friendly caves

Checked on 2026-10-22 against naturalbridgecaverns.com (FAQ, hours and pricing pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

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